In a significant move, the World Trade Organization (WTO) is gearing up to emphasize the pivotal role of trade policies in combating climate change at the upcoming UN COP28 Climate Change Conference in Dubai, scheduled from November 30 to December 12. A dedicated portal has been launched to provide information about the WTO’s involvement in COP28, highlighting “Trade Day” and the Trade House pavilion’s program of activities. The Trade House is a collaborative effort between the WTO, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The WTO Secretariat, in partnership with the United Arab Emirates COP28 Presidency, is co-leading the inaugural “Trade Day” on December 4. This event, organized in cooperation with UNCTAD, ICC, the World Economic Forum (WEF), and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), will feature several high-level discussions. Among them, an event titled “Global Leaders Unite to Promote A Roadmap of Trade Policy Options for a Just and Ambitious Global Response To Climate Change” stands out.
Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala will be actively participating in various high-level events during the conference, including the World Climate Action Summit and the Business and Philanthropy Climate Forum. The WTO’s dedicated COP28 portal will serve as a hub for event updates, news stories, photos, and additional resources, ensuring stakeholders stay well-informed.
Throughout the conference, the Trade House pavilion will serve as a focal point for fostering discussions and solutions regarding how trade can be a driving force behind climate action and sustainable development initiatives. This collaborative space, hosted by four international agencies – ICC, ITC, UNCTAD, and the WTO, will concentrate on accelerating climate action through trade-led development. The overarching goal is to employ coordinated and inclusive approaches to facilitate a just transition toward a low-carbon economy.
The Trade House webpage will provide further insights into these activities and their potential impact on the intersection of international trade and climate change. This concerted effort underscores the commitment of global organizations to align trade policies with climate action objectives for a more sustainable and greener future.